Iago's Sense Of Justice

At some point or another, everyone is passed over. It might have been a younger sibling getting the last piece of pie or someone less experienced getting a pay raise or promotion. Whatever it may have been everyone has the possibility to become an Iago from Othello by William Shakespeare. The difference is Iago has certain traits that makes him the villain. Iago possesses a need for justice that reveals his true character: bitter/hateful, deceptive, and manipulative. His commitment to himself and his sense of justice reveals the theme: if bitterness is left unchecked it can evolve into a vengeful perspective on life. In the beginning of the play, the reader can sympathize with Iago’s need for justice. The reader learns that Othello has passed

As he is seething about not getting a promotion, bitterness begins to set in. Continuing his rant, Iago says, “Why, there’s no remedy; tis the curse of service, / Preferment goes by letter and affection, / And not by old graduation” (1.1.35-37). Iago’s indignation arises from knowing that someone with no experience received the position. The bitterness is left unchecked and quickly turns into hate. Instead of going to Othello, he whined and pined over it and eventually he says, “...I hate the Moor” (1.3.369). His hatred toward Othello drives him to become deceptive and manipulative. Iago advises Cassio: “confess yourself freely to her; importune her to help you put you in your place again” (2.3.282-284). Although this seems to be sound advice, Iago plans to deceive Othello by leading him to believe that Cassio and Desdemona are in love. In an aside, Iago says, “I’ll pour this pestilence into his ear, / ...So I will turn her virtue into pitch, / And out of her own goodness make the net / That shall enmesh them all” (2.3.316,320-322). Through deception Iago aspires to bring Othello and Cassio to their knees and achieve the position he so desired. With the first step of his plan complete, Iago now has to manipulate Othello into action. In an aside, Iago sneers, “O, you are well tuned now! / But I’ll set down the pegs that make this music” (2.1.194-195). Essentially, Iago is going to manipulate Othello in such a way that Othello